U.S. patent application number 13/264798 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-17 for turbomachine component and turbomachine equipped therewith.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAN DIESEL & TURBO SE. Invention is credited to Thomas Michligk.
Application Number | 20120121383 13/264798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42288818 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120121383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Michligk; Thomas |
May 17, 2012 |
Turbomachine Component and Turbomachine Equipped Therewith
Abstract
Turbomachine component and turbomachine outfitted therewith. The
turbomachine component has a sensor unit arranged at the
turbomachine component. The sensor unit has a sensor for detecting
a parameter to be monitored and a transmitter for sending a
measurement signal corresponding to the parameter to an evaluation
unit of the turbomachine for processing. The transmitter of the
sensor unit sends an encoded identification signal to the
evaluation unit along with the measurement signal, this encoded
identification signal contains an identification code that
identifies the sensor unit. The sensor unit is configured such that
the sensor unit cannot be separated from the turbomachine component
without functional destruction of the sensor unit.
Inventors: |
Michligk; Thomas;
(Oranienburg, DE) |
Assignee: |
MAN DIESEL & TURBO SE
AUGSBURG
DE
|
Family ID: |
42288818 |
Appl. No.: |
13/264798 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 10, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE09/50071 |
371 Date: |
February 1, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/118 ;
310/313R; 73/112.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01D 5/48 20130101; F01D
21/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
415/118 ;
310/313.R; 73/112.01 |
International
Class: |
F01D 25/00 20060101
F01D025/00; H01L 41/113 20060101 H01L041/113; G01M 15/14 20060101
G01M015/14; G01D 5/48 20060101 G01D005/48 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 17, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 017 935.6 |
Claims
1.-10. (canceled)
11. A turbomachine component for use in a turbomachine, comprising:
an evaluation unit of the turbomachine; a sensor unit arranged at
the turbomachine component, comprising: a sensor configured to
detect a parameter of the turbomachine component to be monitored;
and a transmitter for sending a measurement signal corresponding to
the detected parameter to the evaluation unit of the turbomachine
for processing, wherein the transmitter of the sensor unit is
configured to send an encoded identification signal to the
evaluation unit along with the measurement signal, the encoded
identification signal having an identification code that identifies
the sensor unit, and wherein the sensor unit is configured such
that the sensor unit cannot be separated from the turbomachine
component without functional destruction of at least the sensor
unit.
12. The turbomachine component according to claim 11, wherein the
sensor unit is formed by a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor unit,
the sensor unit having a passive transponder in which the
transmitter is integrated with at least one reflector.
13. The turbomachine component according to claim 11, wherein the
turbomachine component is one of a turbocompressor component, a gas
turbine component, a steam turbine component, and an expander
component.
14. A turbomachine comprising: an evaluation unit for monitoring
the turbomachine; a plurality of turbomachine components, at least
one of the plural turbomachine components comprises: a sensor unit
arranged at the turbomachine component, wherein the sensor unit has
a sensor for detecting a parameter of the turbomachine component to
be monitored and a transmitter for sending a measurement signal
corresponding to the parameter to the evaluation unit for
processing, wherein the transmitter of the sensor unit is
configured to send an encoded identification signal to the
evaluation unit along with the measurement signal, the encoded
identification signal containing an identification code that
identifies the sensor unit, wherein the evaluation unit is
configured to receive and process the identification signal, and
wherein the sensor unit is configured such that the sensor unit
cannot be separated from the turbomachine component without
functional destruction of the sensor unit.
15. The turbomachine according to claim 14, wherein the sensor unit
comprises: a SAW sensor unit; and a passive transponder in which
the transmitter is integrated with at least one reflector.
16. The turbomachine according to claim 14, wherein the evaluation
unit has a memory in which at least one identification code unique
to the turbomachine is stored, the evaluation unit configured to
compare a respective identification code transmitted by the
transmitter with the identification code stored in the memory.
17. The turbomachine according to claim 16, wherein the evaluation
unit comprises processing logic configured to associate respective
identification codes stored in the memory with different respective
sensors.
18. The turbomachine according to claim 17, wherein the processing
logic of the evaluation unit is configured such that every sensor
is associated with an individual turbomachine component.
19. The turbomachine according to claim 16, wherein the evaluation
unit includes decision logic configured such that identification
codes stored in the memory are defined as permissible for operation
of the turbomachine, and wherein the decision logic is configured
to block operation of the turbomachine when the identification code
received from the transmitter does not match any of the
identification codes stored in the memory.
20. The turbomachine according to claim 14, wherein the
turbomachine is one of a turbocompressor, a gas turbine, a steam
turbine, and an expander.
21. The turbomachine according to claim 15, wherein the evaluation
unit has a memory in which at least one identification code unique
to the turbomachine is stored, the evaluation unit configured to
compare a respective identification code transmitted by the
transmitter with the identification code stored in the memory.
22. The turbomachine according to claim 21, wherein the evaluation
unit comprises processing logic configured to associate respective
identification codes stored in the memory with different respective
sensors.
23. The turbomachine according to claim 22, wherein the processing
logic of the evaluation unit is configured such that every sensor
is associated with an individual turbomachine component.
24. The turbomachine according to claim 23, wherein the evaluation
unit includes decision logic configured such that identification
codes stored in the memory are defined as permissible for operation
of the turbomachine, and wherein the decision logic is configured
to block operation of the turbomachine when the identification code
received from the transmitter does not match any of the
identification codes stored in the memory.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a U.S. national stage of application No.
PCT/DE2009/050071, filed on Dec. 10, 2009. Priority is claimed on
German Application No.: 10 2009 017 935.6 filed Apr. 17, 2009, the
content of which is incorporated here by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention is directed to a turbomachine component and to
a turbomachine outfitted with a turbomachine component of this
kind.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] In turbomachinery such as, e.g., turbocompressors, including
the components installed therein, and turbomachine trains,
including the components arranged in the respective turbomachine
train such as transmissions, couplings, and so on, it may be
necessary because of the high loading of the respective
turbomachine or turbomachine components during operation to monitor
a quantity of turbomachine components during operation by
measurement procedures.
[0006] Further, it is crucial in highly loaded turbomachines or
turbomachine components of this kind that turbomachine components
of flawless quality are installed in the turbomachine so that
warranty claims can be met.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is the object of an invention to provide a turbomachine
component for use in a turbomachine in which the turbomachine
component can be monitored by measurement procedures in a
convenient and reliable manner on the one hand and can be
unambiguously identified as a genuine part on the other hand so
that counterfeit parts can be reliably distinguished from genuine
parts. The invention has the further object of providing a
turbomachine outfitted with a turbomachine component of this
kind.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a turbomachine
component is provided for use in a turbomachine, this turbomachine
component having a sensor unit which is arranged at the
turbomachine component; the sensor unit has a sensor for detecting
a turbomachine component parameter to be monitored and a
transmitter for sending a measurement signal corresponding to the
parameter to an evaluation unit of the turbomachine for processing;
the transmitter of the sensor unit is configured to send an encoded
identification signal to the evaluation unit along with the
measurement signal, this encoded identification signal containing
an identification code which identifies the sensor unit; and the
sensor unit is configured in such a way that the sensor unit cannot
be separated from the turbomachine component without functional
destruction of the sensor unit.
[0009] The turbomachine component constructed according to one
embodiment of the invention can be monitored by measurement
procedures in a convenient and secure manner and can also be
unambiguously identified as a genuine part so that counterfeit
parts can be reliably distinguished from genuine parts.
[0010] Due to the fact that the transmitter of the sensor unit is
configured to send, along with the measurement signal, an encoded
identification signal or identification code that identifies the
sensor unit, both the measurement signal and the respective sensor
unit can be unambiguously associated with a turbomachine in an
evaluation unit. In this way, determined identification codes for
the sensor units and, therefore, for the associated turbomachine
components can be issued by the manufacturer of the turbomachine to
unambiguously identify genuine parts.
[0011] Due to the fact that the sensor unit is arranged at the
turbomachine component so as to be virtually nondetachable or so as
to be detachable only by destroying it, sensor units from scrapped
genuine parts are reliably prevented from being arranged on
counterfeit parts.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor
unit is formed by a SAW sensor unit (SAW=surface acoustic wave),
and the sensor unit has a passive transponder in which the
transmitter is integrated with at least one reflector.
[0013] According to the invention, it is proposed that SAW sensors
be used, e.g., as passive transponder/sensor units (hereinafter:
sensor units) for different measurement tasks in turbomachines, in
components thereof, or in drivetrains thereof. This makes possible,
among other things, a wireless, maintenance-free transmission of
measurement data.
[0014] Digital identification tags, for instance, can be produced
by surface acoustic waves. To this end, a sound transducer which
can receive electromagnetic signals via an antenna and convert them
into surface acoustic waves can be arranged on a suitable
substrate. These surface acoustic waves are then bounced off one or
more reflectors arranged on the substrate and are emitted again via
the sound transducer and antenna. The pulse sequence generated in
this way or the identification code generated in this way can be
read out by a suitable reading device or by a reading device
adapted to the code, respectively.
[0015] Accordingly, SAW sensor units can unambiguously identify a
wide variety of measurement sensors at turbomachine components. SAW
sensor units withstand high temperatures of up to 400.degree. C. as
well as vibrations.
[0016] In other words, apart from the obvious advantages with
respect to monitoring, condition monitoring and maintenance by
suitable various coding of the reflectors on the sensor surface, a
characteristic response signal is made possible for identification
of and association of the measurement signal with a sensor unit or
turbomachine component. When the sensor units are connected to the
turbomachine components, according to the invention, so as to be
nondetachable or so as to be detachable only destructively then, in
addition to measurement, an unambiguous identification of genuine
structural component parts is also possible with
manufacturer-specific coding of the reflectors.
[0017] Possibilities for basic implementation of a SAW sensor unit
are shown, for example, in WO2006/110936 A1.
[0018] The turbomachine component is preferably a turbocompressor
component.
[0019] Particularly turbocompressors and turbines, including the
components installed therein, and turbomachine trains, including
the components such as transmissions, engines, etc. installed
therein, are considered to be turbomachines according to the
invention.
[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, a
turbomachine having a plurality of turbomachine components and an
evaluation unit for monitoring the turbomachine are provided; at
least one of the turbomachine components has a sensor unit which is
arranged at the turbomachine component; the sensor unit has a
sensor for detecting a turbomachine component parameter to be
monitored and a transmitter for sending a measurement signal
corresponding to the parameter to an evaluation unit of the
turbomachine for processing; the transmitter of the sensor unit is
configured to send an encoded identification signal to the
evaluation unit along with the measurement signal, this encoded
identification signal containing an identification code which
identifies the sensor unit; and the evaluation unit is configured
to receive and process the identification signal; and the sensor
unit is configured in such a way that the sensor unit cannot be
separated from the turbomachine component without functional
destruction of the sensor unit.
[0021] According to the invention, the evaluation unit can be
integrated in the turbomachine or can also be arranged outside the
turbomachine, e.g., in a control room or control stand.
[0022] The turbomachine components of the turbomachine which are
constructed according to the invention can be monitored by
measurement procedures in a convenient and reliable manner and, by
the identification code, can be unambiguously identified as a
genuine part so that bogus parts can be reliably distinguished from
genuine parts.
[0023] Due to the fact that the transmitter of the sensor unit is
configured to send, along with the measurement signal, an encoded
identification signal or identification code which identifies the
sensor unit, both the measurement signal and the respective sensor
unit can be unambiguously associated with the turbomachine in the
evaluation unit. In this way, determined manufacturer-specific
identification codes for the sensor units and, therefore, for the
associated turbomachine components can be issued by the
manufacturer of the turbomachine in order to unambiguously identify
genuine parts.
[0024] Sensor units from scrapped genuine parts can be securely
prevented from being arranged on counterfeit parts because the
sensor unit is arranged at the respective turbomachine component so
as to be virtually nondetachable or so as to be detachable only by
destroying it.
[0025] According to an embodiment form of the turbomachine
according to the invention, the sensor unit is formed by a SAW
sensor unit, and the sensor unit has a passive transponder in which
the transmitter is integrated with at least one reflector.
[0026] Therefore, apart from the obvious advantages with respect to
monitoring, condition monitoring and maintenance by suitable
various coding of the reflectors on the sensor surface, a
characteristic response signal is made possible for identification
of and association of the measurement signal with a sensor unit or
turbomachine component. When the sensor units are connected to the
turbomachine components, according to the invention, so as to be
nondetachable or so as to be detachable only destructively then, in
addition to measurement, an unambiguous identification of genuine
structural component parts is also possible with
manufacturer-specific coding of the reflectors.
[0027] According to another embodiment form of the turbomachine
according to the invention, the evaluation unit has a storage in
which a quantity of identification codes which are unique to the
turbomachine, for example, can be stored, and the evaluation unit
is configured to compare an identification code transmitted by the
transmitter with identification codes stored in the storage.
[0028] One embodiment of the invention presents a dependable and
practical solution for depositing manufacturer-specific
identification codes and for detecting genuine parts and
counterfeit parts as well as for detecting and correlating
component-specific measurement signals.
[0029] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
evaluation unit has a processing logic configured to associate
respective identification codes stored in the storage with
different respective sensors. The processing logic of the
evaluation unit is preferably configured in such a way that every
sensor can be associated with an individual turbomachine
component.
[0030] These embodiments of the invention advantageously promote a
fast and reliable detection and correlation of component-specific
measurement signals.
[0031] According to yet another embodiment form of the turbomachine
according to the invention, the evaluation unit has a decision
logic which is configured such that identification codes stored in
the storage are defined as permissible for operation of the
turbomachine, and the decision logic is configured to block
operation of the turbomachine when the identification code received
from the transmitter or sensor unit does not match any of the
identification codes stored in the storage.
[0032] Operation of the turbomachine with counterfeit parts can be
prevented in a simple and certain manner with this embodiment of
the invention. In other words, a completeness check with respect to
the genuine turbomachine components is enabled in the evaluation
unit for the measurement signals. Starting of the turbomachine can
be prevented by a lock when the code for one or more genuine
turbomachine components is absent. In addition to the measurement
task, this allows an efficient protection against the use of bogus
parts.
[0033] The turbomachine is preferably formed by a
turbocompressor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The invention will be described in more detail in the
following based on a preferred embodiment form and with reference
to the accompanying drawing.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a turbomachine according to an
embodiment form of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a turbomachine 1 which is
constructed as a turbocompressor according to an embodiment form of
the invention.
[0037] The turbomachine 1 has a plurality of turbomachine
components 10, 20, an evaluation unit 30 for monitoring the
turbomachine components 10, 20 and turbomachine 1, and a control
device 40 for controlling the turbomachine components 10, 20 and
turbomachine 1.
[0038] The evaluation unit 30 according to FIG. 1 is integrated in
the turbomachine 1; however, this evaluation unit 30 can also be
arranged outside the turbomachine 1, e.g., in a control room or a
control stand according to an alternative embodiment form.
[0039] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the evaluation unit 30 is
signal-linked to the control device 40 via an electric line 34 and
the control device 40 is signal-linked to the turbomachine
components 10, 20 (preferably wirelessly) via signal transmission
paths 41, 42.
[0040] The evaluation unit 30 and the control device 40 can be
constructed in the form of hardware and/or software as separate
units or so as to be combined in one unit.
[0041] The two turbomachine components 10, 20 shown in the drawing
represent only one example selected from a totality of turbomachine
components of the turbomachine 1. According to one embodiment of
the invention, a first turbomachine component 10 forms a stator
stage of the turbomachine 1 and a second turbomachine component 20
forms an outlet guide vane of the turbomachine 1.
[0042] The first turbomachine component 10 has a sensor unit 11 in
the form of a SAW sensor unit (SAW=sound acoustic wave) arranged at
the first turbomachine component 10. The sensor unit 11 has a
sensor 11a in the form of a temperature sensor for detecting a
parameter to be monitored, this parameter taking the form of the
temperature of the first turbomachine component 10, and a passive
transponder 11b having a transmitter in the form of an arrangement
comprising reflector and antenna 11c for transmitting a measurement
signal corresponding to the parameter to the evaluation unit 30 of
the turbomachine 1 for processing.
[0043] The second turbomachine component 20 has a sensor unit 11 in
the form of a SAW sensor unit 21 arranged at the second
turbomachine component 20. The sensor unit 21 has a sensor 21 a in
the form of a temperature sensor for detecting a parameter to be
monitored, this parameter taking the form of the temperature of the
second turbomachine component 20, and a passive transponder 21b
having a transmitter in the form of an arrangement comprising
reflector and antenna 21c for transmitting a measurement signal
corresponding to the parameter to the evaluation unit 30 of the
turbomachine 1 for processing.
[0044] The transmitters 11b, 21b of the sensor units 11, 21 are
configured to send an encoded identification signal to the
evaluation unit 30 along with the measurement signal, this encoded
identification signal contains an identification code that
unambiguously identifies the respective sensor unit 11, 21. The
evaluation unit 30 is configured to receive and process the
identification signal.
[0045] The sensor units 11, 21 are fastened, respectively, to the
turbomachine components 10 and 20 respectively associated therewith
in such a way that the respective sensor unit 11, 21 cannot be
separated from the respective turbomachine component 10 and 20
without functional destruction of the respective sensor unit 11,
21.
[0046] This can be implemented, for example, in that the sensor
units 11, 21 are arranged on the respective associated turbomachine
component 10 and 20 so as to be resistant to radiation, temperature
and solvents. Further, the turbomachine components 10, 20 can have,
for example, an additional part which is detachably mounted thereon
and which is to be removed when intentionally discarding the
respective turbomachine component 10, 20 or which must even be
removed in a compulsory manner when disassembling the respective
turbomachine component 10, 20, and the respective sensor unit 11,
21 is arranged partially on the respective turbomachine component
10, 20 and partially on the respective additional part so as to be
resistant to radiation, temperature and solvents. Of course, other
implementations are also possible.
[0047] The evaluation unit 30 has a processing logic 31, a decision
logic 32 and a storage 33 connected to one another for purposes of
processing or are even constructed as an integral unit e.g., in the
form of an integrated circuit.
[0048] A quantity of unique identification codes issued by the
turbomachine manufacturer are stored in the storage 33. The
processing logic 31 is configured to associate the respective
identification codes stored in the storage 33 with different
sensors 11a and 21a. Further, the processing logic 31 is configured
in such a way that every sensor 11a, 21a or every sensor unit 11,
21 is associated with the turbomachine component 10 and 20,
respectively, to which the respective sensor unit 11, 21 is
fastened.
[0049] To activate the passive transponder 11b, 21b of the sensor
units 11, 21 and to receive the respective output signals thereof,
the processing logic 31 has a transponder 31a having an antenna
31b.
[0050] The decision logic 32 of the evaluation unit 30 is
configured such that the identification codes stored in the storage
33 are defined as permissible for operation of the turbomachine 1.
On this basis, the decision logic 32 is further configured to block
operation of the turbomachine 1 when one of the identification
codes received from the sensor units 11, 21 does not match any of
the identification codes stored in the storage 33. To this end, the
decision logic 32 sends a status signal (operation allowed or
operation prohibited) to the control device 40 via line 34, and the
control device 40 permits or blocks the operation of the
turbomachine components 10, 20 or of the turbomachine 1 based on
this status signal.
[0051] When it is desired to start the turbomachine 1, a
completeness check is carried out in the evaluation unit 30 with
respect to the presence of exclusively genuine parts as
turbomachine components 10, 20. If counterfeit parts are installed
as turbomachine components 10, 20 and the code for one or more
turbomachine components 10, 20 constructed as genuine parts is
absent, the turbomachine 1 is prevented from starting by the lock
described above. In addition to the measurement task, this allows
an efficient protection against the use of counterfeit parts.
[0052] Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out
fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a
preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various
omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of
the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the
invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all
combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform
substantially the same function in substantially the same way to
achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.
Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements
and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any
disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated
in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment
as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention,
therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *